Rediscovering the Jologs in Me: The Buglasan Festival Experience

FOREPLAY

The Province of Negros Oriental is celebrating its Buglasan Festival this week up to October 25, 2009 with the theme "Building Stronger Alliance Among Tourism Stakeholders of Negros Oriental". Different towns and cities around the province showcase the best of what they have to offer. From their different agricultural produce, delicacies, to their handicrafts, they're selling their STUFF at a low price (bought frozen Durian for Php80.00)!

You can still visit the Sidlakang Negros Village and catch the remaining activities lined up for tonight and tomorrow. You can check this site for the remaining activities.

THE EXPERIENCE

Last night, I was effin' bored in my room (as always). So, I decided to check out the booths myself at the Sidlakan Negros Village. I had to nail down first the pedicab driver who over-charged me with the pamasahe. Maybe he thought I was a tourist since I was holding a camera and was tourist-ishly dressed.

Anyway when I arrived, I was surprised that the place was packed with people from the National Highway down to the Village. I had no choice but to literally brush elbows with them. So there I was brushing elbows (and my other body parts) while checking out the booths of the different towns and cities. The pictures below show the different sights you can see in the Village.

The booth of Valencia is a crowd magnet. Fruits (papaya, mango, rambutan, lanzones, etc.) are being sold at a low price.

These are real squashes, by the way.

I heard that the governor wanted to ban smoking and drinking inside the Village. But as you can see in the picture above, people were drinking beer while watching the program. Can you spot my fellow jologers?

The two kids were probably helping their parents earn money. Tats, anyone?

Okay. So I got thirsty while walking around the booth area. I decided to go inside one of the booths and ordered iced tea. I thought I paid for one glass of iced tea but instead, look at what the lady gave me - a pitcher of Lipton Iced Tea for only Php20.00. Talk about getting your money's worth!

I never went inside Pamplona's booth. Got intimidated with the crowd inside.

Another crowd magnet. If you want to experience caving, visit the Mabinay booth. They have this cool replica of a cave. Entrance is free, by the way. Just be patient to fall in line.

Canlaon's booth was one of the best. They have this cool exhibit inside plus an accommodating Tourism Officer. (rawr)

Truly enjoyed my evening even if I was alone!